FOR the first time perhaps ever, Cheriton Bishop’s annual Village Show could not be held in the Village Hall but instead in the Scout headquarters at Crofters Mead.

Some of the scouts helped in setting up for the Show. 

This was because of a fire at the hall last September, where the roof is now being replaced.  It is hoped the hall might be open again for Christmas this year.

Entries for the show were slightly down at 280 from the 22 exhibitors but the quality was “very pleasing”, reported Sally Burton.

She is chairman of Cheriton Bishop Gardening Club which organises the show for the village.  Trophies were presented by village resident, Jean Martin, who is much involved with various village organisations. 

A haul of seven trophies were taken home by Stephen Reed who used to live in Cheriton but now lives in Crediton.  He has been exhibiting ever since he won the Novice cup 10 years ago. 

Fifteen years-old Jessica Murrin who lives in Monkokehampton and is studying for her GCSE in Art at Okehampton College, went home with three trophies - the Pett cup for floral Art and for photography, art and handicrafts, the Handicraft trophy and the Novice cup for a first-timer with most points in all sections. 

Stephen won the Sweet Pea cup, Rosebowl for roses and a vase of three blooms of one variety, Vegetable cup as well as the Floral Art cup, the Challenge cup for most points in the Senior Section, the Flower cup, plus the Wilf Rice fruit bowl for most points in the fruit classes.

Nick Vaughan won the Banksian Medal for most points in the Flower and Vegetable classes. 

The Joker’s cup, given for special classes such as the longest runner bean, the most spectacular weed, won by a teasel, or home-made compost in a bucket was won by Sarah O’Neill.

Janet Jeffery won the Ladies cup for most points in the cookery and preserves classes.  Kath Eley won the Checker’s cup for the best exhibit in the cookery and preserves section with her Tayberry jam. 

Evie Jeffery won the cup for most points in the 12 to 14 years section, Emily Jeffery won the cup for most points in the eight to 11 years section.  Rufus Kelsall won the Charlotte cup for most points in the five to seven years section. 

There was a show last year, the first after the two-year pandemic break.